Pros and cons of school uniforms debated

BLOOMFIELD — Tuesday's public forum to discuss school uniforms drew roughly 100 parents and students to Fairview School, many armed with studies, anecdotal evidence and strong opinions.

A majority of parents expressed their opposition to uniforms before the board of education (BOE); others were wholeheartedly supportive. A handful of students, ranging from fourth graders to high school students, were vehemently against. Even before the meeting began, parents debated the pros and cons of uniforms at their seats.

It seemed nearly everyone had their own reasons as to why uniforms would be harmful or helpful. Only prisoners and service members wear uniforms, said one detractor. Conversely, a supporter said uniforms would save money and foster an inclusive learning environment.

District funds should be allocated to fix leaky roofs, not fund clothing, Nicolette Salerno told the board.

"That's not going to prevent other people from knowing who has more and who has less," said Salerno. "Putting a kid in khaki pants won't stop that."

With four children, three of them female, Nancy Bsales said she favors uniforms, noting the money-saving aspect.

"Mornings are a nightmare at my house," she said. "It would cost me so much less to put my kids in gray pants and collared shirts."

Bloomfield High School sophomore Mya Harris said students should dress appropriately in school but not necessarily wear uniforms. Harris said the BOE should focus on the "serious" issues facing the district.

"We dress the way we dress because we are comfortable and want to express ourselves," she said. "Personally, I think uniforms are a bad idea."

The forum was mainly civil. Many clapped in approval to express support for various speakers, while a few occasionally shouted remarks from their seats if they disagreed.

Implementing school uniforms was initially raised in September when a group of Carteret School parents petitioned the BOE. The parents hoped to model Bloomfield's policy after Newark's and Belleville's.

A subsequent survey suggested children in the lower graders were more supportive than middle and high school students. About 1,800 participated, school officials said at the time.

While many, especially students, may not like the idea, Carteret School parent Marilyn Alicea, among the initial proponents, said she ultimately decides how her child dresses.

"My daughter is mortified but at the end of the day, I am the parent," said Alicea.

Former township council member Patricia Ritchings, among those against, asked the board what problems within the schools would be resolved, such as school violence, gangs, or discipline, if all kids dressed the same.

"I don't exactly know why we're looking into this," said Ritchings. "The district has plenty of issues I'm sure to spend resources on."

One father flatly told the BOE he would not dress his child in a uniform, regardless of whether a policy is adopted.

Parents and BOE members had expressed interest posing the question to voters via a referendum. But the idea was shot down by BOE attorney Nicholas Dotoli, saying state statue does not permit it.

The BOE agreed via an informal 5-3 poll to further investigate a uniform policy. While some BOE members have been openly supportive of uniforms in the past, they were more hesitant to voice their views during the Nov. 9 meeting.

"I haven't made up my mind," said BOE member Robert De Marino. "I have a personal preference, but it will not take away from my professional decision."

BOE member Anthony Petrillo said he would listen to both sides before making a final determination. Petrillo is among BOE members to previously stand firm behind a school uniform policy.

"Bloomfield is the best district ever, and whatever your decision, stick to it," he told the audience.

De Marino, Susan Wolf and Diana Fuller were the three BOE members against.

The forum was included with the BOE's regularly-scheduled meeting. BOE Vice President Rachel Park was absent.

Pros and cons of school uniforms debated

BLOOMFIELD — Tuesday's public forum to discuss school uniforms drew roughly 100 parents and students to Fairview School, many armed with studies, anecdotal evidence and strong opinions.

A majority of parents expressed their opposition to uniforms before the board of education (BOE); others were wholeheartedly supportive. A handful of students, ranging from fourth graders to high school students, were vehemently against. Even before the meeting began, parents debated the pros and cons of uniforms at their seats.

It seemed nearly everyone had their own reasons as to why uniforms would be harmful or helpful. Only prisoners and service members wear uniforms, said one detractor. Conversely, a supporter said uniforms would save money and foster an inclusive learning environment.

District funds should be allocated to fix leaky roofs, not fund clothing, Nicolette Salerno told the board.

"That's not going to prevent other people from knowing who has more and who has less," said Salerno. "Putting a kid in khaki pants won't stop that."

With four children, three of them female, Nancy Bsales said she favors uniforms, noting the money-saving aspect.

"Mornings are a nightmare at my house," she said. "It would cost me so much less to put my kids in gray pants and collared shirts."

Bloomfield High School sophomore Mya Harris said students should dress appropriately in school but not necessarily wear uniforms. Harris said the BOE should focus on the "serious" issues facing the district.

"We dress the way we dress because we are comfortable and want to express ourselves," she said. "Personally, I think uniforms are a bad idea."

The forum was mainly civil. Many clapped in approval to express support for various speakers, while a few occasionally shouted remarks from their seats if they disagreed.

Implementing school uniforms was initially raised in September when a group of Carteret School parents petitioned the BOE. The parents hoped to model Bloomfield's policy after Newark's and Belleville's.

A subsequent survey suggested children in the lower graders were more supportive than middle and high school students. About 1,800 participated, school officials said at the time.

While many, especially students, may not like the idea, Carteret School parent Marilyn Alicea, among the initial proponents, said she ultimately decides how her child dresses.

"My daughter is mortified but at the end of the day, I am the parent," said Alicea.

Former township council member Patricia Ritchings, among those against, asked the board what problems within the schools would be resolved, such as school violence, gangs, or discipline, if all kids dressed the same.

"I don't exactly know why we're looking into this," said Ritchings. "The district has plenty of issues I'm sure to spend resources on."

One father flatly told the BOE he would not dress his child in a uniform, regardless of whether a policy is adopted.

Parents and BOE members had expressed interest posing the question to voters via a referendum. But the idea was shot down by BOE attorney Nicholas Dotoli, saying state statue does not permit it.

The BOE agreed via an informal 5-3 poll to further investigate a uniform policy. While some BOE members have been openly supportive of uniforms in the past, they were more hesitant to voice their views during the Nov. 9 meeting.

"I haven't made up my mind," said BOE member Robert De Marino. "I have a personal preference, but it will not take away from my professional decision."

BOE member Anthony Petrillo said he would listen to both sides before making a final determination. Petrillo is among BOE members to previously stand firm behind a school uniform policy.